Today is Blog Action Day and the topic for this year is food.
In recognition of Blog Action Day I would like to give a shout out to a free app that assists people who are food insecure. Snapfresh is a free web-based and sms based app that helps people find nearby stores and markets that accept food stamps. This app enables a user to text their address and zip code to a phone number and receive a text-based reply listing nearby locations accepting food stamps. The type of location (farmer’s market, convenience store, grocery store) is also included. The app services the entire country and is available in English, Spanish and Chinese. Many recipients are embarrassed to ask a retailer if food stamps are accepted at their location. This app allows people to preserve their dignity while coping with food insecurity. This is truly a great example of an app that serves the greater good through empathy and respect.
This sounds like a great idea. Often, people would prefer to eat healthier if only they knew where to find fresh produce. I wonder, though how someone on food stamps can afford a smartphone and the associated data charges.
ReplyDeleteThat's the beauty of this app, it doesn't require a smartphone. It only requires a phone capable of sending and receiving a text message. It will work with the most basic cell phones available today.
ReplyDeleteHere is another app to assist the food shopper, this one is from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and is designed to help shoppers make more sustainable choices when buying seafood. http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/SeafoodWatch/web/sfw_iPhone.aspx
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting concept. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to learn that a smartphone isn't required, and that it includes farmers markets. I am not as familiar with other state programs, but in WA some (but not all) markets accept SNAP, WIC and senior scrip. Have heard of pilot programs where folks can buy double the face value of their "allotment" at participating farmers markets, but have never chased down the details to see how it is working in practice.
Marcy love it. I can see app development as a whole social movement where developers are able to make a difference by developing apps that forward social harmony and empathy. Thank you for sharing this and horray to social change through apps.
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